Expression of keratin genes 8 and 18 for treating tumours,in particular a mammary carcinoma

Abstract

The invention is concerned with a means for the therapy of malignant diseases, in particular for the prevention or inhibition of metastases of solid tumours expressing HER2. The means in keeping with this invention is characterized by the fact that it favours the expression of the Keratin genes 8 and 18 (K8, K18) in tumour cells. The K18 gene is preferred for the gene therapeutic treatment and it is preferential for the HER2-mediated in vivo transfection with a liposomal capsule equipped with antibodies against the HER2 receptor. The subject of the invention is thus the use of the K8 and K18 genes for the therapy of solid tumours, in particular for breast cancer. Areas of application for the invention are in medicine and the pharmaceutical industry.

1 . Agent for the therapeutic treatment of tumours by simultaneously inhibiting and preventing tumour metastases, characterised by the fact that it increases the expression of the K8 and/or K18 gene in the tumour cells.  
     
     
         2 . Agent according to  claim 1 , characterized by the fact that it represents the K8 and/or K18 gene or therapeutically effective sections of it, which are transfected in the tumour cells, preferably in the G0 phase of the cell cycle.  
     
     
         3 . Agent according to  claim 1  or  2 , characterized by the fact that it is suitable for transfection in tumour cells, which display the HER2 receptor on the cell surface.  
     
     
         4 . Agent according to one of the  claims 1  to  3 , characterized by the fact that the genetic substance is present for direct application, preferably in formulations for parenteral application or in the form of liposomal complexes.  
     
     
         5 . Agent according to one of the  claims 1  to  3 , characterized by the fact that the nucleotide is present in the form of a vector for gene therapeutic application.  
     
     
         6 . Agent according to one of the  claims 1  to  3 , characterized by the fact that it is the K8 and/or K18 protein.  
     
     
         7 . Agent according to  claim 4 , characterized by the fact that the liposomal complex is a capsule of liposomes equipped with antibodies against the HER2 receptor.  
     
     
         8 . Agent according to claims  4  or  7 , characterized by the fact that the liposomal capsule is strongly cationic-loaded.  
     
     
         9 . Agent according to  claim 8 , characterized by the fact that Trastuzumab (Herceptin™) is used as a carrier.  
     
     
         10 . The use of agent according to the  claims 1  to  9  for the gene therapy of solid tumours, which have developed from simple epithelia.  
     
     
         11 . The use according to  claim 10  for the gene therapy of solid tumours that express HER2.  
     
     
         12 . The use according to claims  10  or  11  for the gene therapy of breast cancer.  
     
     
         13 . Procedures for the production of a pharmaceutical agent agent according to one of the  claims 1  to  9 , characterized by the fact that the therapeutic quantity of at least one nucleotide or protein is combined with currently known auxiliary and carrier substances, manufactured by the current and usual production techniques, and this combination is then transferred into the desired formulation.